Stephen Kellogg & The Sixers may be the hardest working rock band in the land. Kellogg has built a solid fan base and a growing national buzz the old fashion way, by logging thousands of miles on the road. In the last two years alone, Kellogg & The Sixers have played more than 300 shows and moved over 10,000 copies of their independently released albums, including last year's breakthrough, "Bulletproof Heart." With the release of their eponymous major label debut for Foundations/ Universal they're ready to stake their claim to greatness with 11 original tunes showcasing Kellogg's expert songwriting and the skillfully understated backing of The Sixers.

   "Stephen Kellogg & The Sixers" is a rock album, but it's a rock album that replaces attitude with sincerity. Imagine The Band performing vignettes of modern life, Van Morrison with better articulation or Elvis Costello without the vitriol. The album was produced by Andy Zulla (Rod Stewart, Jessica Simpson) and features guest shots by Braddigan from Dispatch, Mike Daly from Whiskeytown, Rob James of the Clarks and Rich Price. Special guests aside, it's still The Sixers - Keith 'Kit' Karlson (bass and keyboards) and Brian "Boots" Factor (drums) - who do most of the heavy lifting, supplying the kind of muscular, sympathetic support that comes from long hours on the road and a common sense of purpose. "We're always looking to put something in the song that makes your cheeks get hot, or makes you go - Ooh that's the money spot," Kellogg says. "We like to hold back, so there's a payoff when you get it." Karlson's Gospel flavored piano on "Such A Way" and Factor's syncopated rhythmic accents on "Start The Day Early" exemplify the way The Sixers create tension and drama without overshadowing Kellogg's vocals or the song.

   "When I'm writing and singing, I want be honest," Kellogg says. "I think it's important to use your real voice and not to posture or wax poetic, even if you're dealing with complex relationships or emotions; just keep it as simple and focused as possible."

   Like all good songwriters, Kellogg makes it look easy. He explores the thorny geography of modern relationships with uncommon insight and understanding. His lyrics use ordinary language, but every song contains a flash of insight or a turn of phrase that will jolt listeners into an altered state. As Kellogg sings in "See You Later, See You Soon," the album is full of "singular moments you'll remember as long as you live."